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- Tasks: Provide top-notch veterinary care to a diverse range of animals at Paignton Zoo.
- Company: Join Wild Planet Trust, a leading conservation charity with over 100 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days paid holiday, free zoo entry, and discounts in catering and retail.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health and welfare while working in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an MRCVS member with significant veterinary experience, especially with exotic species.
- Other info: Full-time role with a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
The predicted salary is between 37986 - 44343 £ per year.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Australia
Closing date for applications is: 23rd Dec 2025
Contact: Alisa Wallace ) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: $138,101 – $150,863 annual package (AUD)
Role: Veterinary Officer – Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2025
Job Req ID: 678
- Located at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales
- Ongoing, full-time position
- TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 8/9 Ranging from $138,101 to $150,863 Annual Package (includes base salary ranging from $121,845 to $133,105 plus superannuation & leave loading)
- 5 weeks annual leave
- Roster includes weekends and public holidays (penalty rates apply)
About The Role….
You will be working with an experienced wildlife health team at a new purpose-built wildlife hospital located at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Some key features of this role:
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to a large population of non-domestic hoof-stock including giraffe, zebra, hippo, deer, antelope, elephants and rhinoceros. A significant proportion of the caseload involves field procedures and herd health management.
- The wildlife health team provide a free veterinary service for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, treating over 700 native animals each year. This role involves wildlife triage, treatment and rehabilitation including consultations with wildlife carers.
- The wildlife hospital showcases veterinary work to zoo visitors, with animal treatment rooms, surgical facilities and laboratories on display. Delivering guest experience and education is embedded in wildlife hospital operations and is an integral part of the daily requirements of this role.
- This role provides veterinary support for several ex-situ conservation breeding programs based at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Opportunities for fieldwork may be available periodically.
- The wildlife health team are supported by Taronga\’s wildlife pathologists, science team and nutritionist, and a network of veterinary specialists for assistance with complex cases.
- Veterinarians also support the education and training of under-graduate and post graduate students.
About You….
Please note – Visa sponsorship considered for international applicants.
We Are Looking For Candidates That Have
- Tertiary qualifications in Veterinary Science and eligibility for full registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW
- Board certification and/or post-graduate qualifications in zoo and wildlife medicine or conservation medicine (preferred).
- Demonstrated knowledge and skill in all aspects of the veterinary management of zoo and wild animals, and the implementation of effective preventative medicine programs in zoos.
- Experience in the veterinary management of non-domestic hoof stock, including mega vertebrates.
- Experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of free-ranging wildlife.
- Demonstrated knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and management practices, including breeding, nutrition, animal housing and enclosure design.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small team using excellent interpersonal and communication skills to promote a team culture that values diversity and collaborative working relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to set priorities, plan and co-ordinate daily activities in an animal health care setting.
- Pre employment TB screening, Q Fever, Rabies and Tetanus vaccinations (required prior to commencement).
- Current NSW Working with Children Check or ability to obtain
- NSW Class C Driver\’s Licence and ability to drive a vehicle with manual transmission
- Current NSW Tranquilliser Firearms Permit or ability to obtain
Benefits…
Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:
- Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga\’s Zoos in Dubbo and Sydney
- A wide range of discounts on our award-winning accommodation
- Discounted food and beverage purchases across both sites
- Fitness Passport
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- more
We Value Diversity…
Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it based on gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.
Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.
Apply For This Job
Applications must be submitted via the Taronga website:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application.
- Outline the top five factors that you consider most important for delivering an effective animal health service in an open range zoo setting – explain each of your choices. Maximum 300 words.
- How do you prioritise the needs of individual animals with animal health requirements of the overall zoo population, including conservation and breeding programs and requests from outside organisations (including private vets, government agencies, wildlife carers). Maximum 300 words.
Applications Close: 11:59pm Tuesday 23 December 2025
Veterinary Officer employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific animal species at Paignton Zoo. Understanding their unique health needs and conservation efforts will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the veterinary and conservation fields. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet people who may have insights or connections that could help you land this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest veterinary practices and advancements, especially those related to exotic species. This knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to common scenarios faced by veterinary officers. This will help you articulate your experience and problem-solving skills effectively during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with exotic species or in a zoo environment. Emphasise your qualifications, such as being a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) and any specific veterinary skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and conservation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality veterinary care and your commitment to animal health and welfare.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a veterinary context.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in veterinary practice.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal care and welfare during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to veterinary medicine, especially with exotic species, as this will resonate well with the values of Wild Planet Trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders in previous positions. Consider sharing examples where your communication made a positive impact on animal care or team collaboration.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to talk about your significant experience as a practising veterinary surgeon, particularly any work you've done with zoo, wildlife, or exotic species. Tailor your responses to showcase how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Veterinary Officer role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills under pressure. Think of examples from your past where you had to manage a varied workload or make quick decisions regarding animal health and welfare, and be prepared to discuss these in detail.
